Alternative school

By Sean Ryan

Contractors who invest in employee training reap a double dividend of encouraging greater worker productivity and instilling company loyalty.

"I think it's a win-win for both sides," said Craig Capano, Milwaukee School of Engineering construction management program director. "Anytime an employee can go out and learn more about the business it makes them a better employee. Anytime you give employees a little bit extra as far as education it makes them happier as an employee."

Sixteen state technical colleges offer trade and management training programs. MSOE also offers a Construction Science and Engineering Center.

Ellie Hein, Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin director of training services, said there are countless opportunities for contractors to find the right kind of training for employees.

"Contact the trade association, but also the technical colleges, and your suppliers, or even insurance companies if the contractors need training in risk management," she said. "Many of the contacts can supply training opportunities to them. There are many avenues, but (contractors) do have to explore those. They won't just come to them."

Do it yourself

The Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin has the highest attended supervisory training program in the United States, and ABC offers classes in management, safety and numerous trade skills.

Some contractors have taken a do-it-yourself approach.

"What we've found is that sometimes (formal training) becomes a little prohibitive in timing and services," said Patrick Flynn, vice president of administration at Westra Construction, which has its own training program. "Sometimes they're not always available at the time we need them; sometimes the cost factor can be a little bit more convenient as well."

Contractors can organize in-house training programs. Senior workers can instruct trainees in both classroom and practical situations, Flynn said.

"You need to make sure you have those resources and you have to have somebody to coordinate it," he said.

Contractors must be aware of workers' skill levels and teach them in the areas where they are lacking, Flynn said.

"We do a constant evaluation of skills and aptitude," he said.

Flynn said Westra requires workers to perform at standard skill levels in each trade.

But Jay Yunker, AGC of Wisconsin director of career development services, said contractors must know when to turn to colleges for training guidance.

"Journeyman training is better left to the various technical colleges and training centers," he said. "They've been doing it for a number of years, the programs are in place and they've been working quite well."

Training, both in-house and with outside help, is an expensive undertaking, but its benefits include better employee retention, increased productivity and decreased rework, Flynn said.

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